Aphids (Uroleucon compositae)

During pre-flowering stage both nymphs and adults suck the cell sap from shoot apices, peduncles, leaves and stem. They secrete a honey dew like secretion on upper surface of the leaves and plant parts forming a black sooty mould. This black sooty mould hinders photosynthetic activity resulting in stunted growth. Finally plants dry in case of severe incidence.

Cultural Control Avoid delayed planting. Chemical Control Spray dimethoate (0.05%) or Methyl parathion (0.05%) or monocrotophos (0.05%) or chloropyriphos or endosulfan (0.05%) or alternatively dust quinolphos (1.5%) or methyl parathion (2.5%) or malathion (5%) or endosulfan (4%) at 40 and 60 days after sowing. Use 500 litres of spray mixture and 20 kg dust formulation per ha. In traditional tract of Karnataka and scarcity zone of Maharashtra, one spray of neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) (5%) a week after first incidence followed by the spray of recommended insecticide 15 days later gives good control of aphid.